James Wisniewski

James Wisniewski
Wisniewski with the Blue Jackets in 2013
Born	(1984-02-21) February 21, 1984 (age 33) Canton, Michigan, USA
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)
Position	Defense
Shoots	Right
AHL team Former teams	Chicago Wolves Chicago Blackhawks Anaheim Ducks New York Islanders Montreal Canadiens Columbus Blue Jackets Carolina Hurricanes Admiral Vladivostok
National team	United States
NHL Draft	156th overall, 2002 Chicago Blackhawks
Playing career	2004–present

Wisniewski at the 2008 IIHF World Championship
Medal record
Representing  United States
Ice hockey
World Junior Championships
	2004 Helsinki
World U18 Championships
	2002 Trnava

James Joseph Wisniewski (born February 21, 1984) is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League (AHL). He has previously played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, Montreal Canadiens, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Carolina Hurricanes.

Wisniewski started his junior hockey career with the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in 2000. He improved every year significantly, and was drafted in the fifth round, 156th overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks in 2002. At the start of the 2003–04 season, he was named captain of the Whalers. That year, he scored 17 goals, 11 on the power-play. He finished 24th in overall scoring with 70 points, third amongst defensemen and just six points short of the OHL lead, set by Kingston Frontenacs defenseman Bryan Rodney. For his efforts, Wisniewski was awarded the OHL's 2004 Max Kaminsky Trophy as the most outstanding defenseman. He also took home the OHL's parent league, the Canadian Hockey League (CHL)'s, Defenseman of the Year award. This recognition gained Wisniewski a contract with Chicago, and a jump to the American Hockey League (AHL)'s Norfolk Admirals, the Blackhawks' top minor league affiliate.